In Laboratory Control Sample (LCS) analysis, percent recovery is compared to what?

• A. Compared to established acceptance criteria.
• B. Used to determine sample volume.
• C. Used to replace calibration results.
• D. Used to estimate pH.

Answer: (A)

Percent recovery measures how much of the known amount of analyte is recovered after processing, and in LCS analysis you compare that observed recovery to the method’s predefined acceptance criteria. This comparison shows whether the method is performing within validated performance limits; if the recovery falls inside the accepted range, the method is considered acceptable for that run. It isn’t used to determine sample volume, replace calibration results, or estimate pH—those are different checks or measurements unrelated to evaluating recovery against the method’s criteria.